Bose's new QuietComfort headphones finally bring Ultra audio features for less

It’s been a little over two years since Bose launched the QuietComfort Headphones, and today, we’re finally getting a successor to the base model in the series with the reveal of the QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen).

The new wireless headphones feature an updated design with a smoother, adjustable headband and even more soft synthetic-leather cushioning. Bose says the clamping force has also been optimized for a more secure fit and a lightweight feel, and the earcups are shaped to give the headphones a seamless look.

Bose has also hidden “pops of color” inside the earcups to create a two-tone design, which looks particularly inviting in the new limited-edition colorways, including Eucalyptus Green, Dewdrop Mint, and Rosewood Mauve. Regular Black and White Smoke colors are also available for those who like a classic look.

Elsewhere, Bose has kept the physical button controls, with the right earcup handling playback, volume, and calls, while the left earcup houses the listening mode button and customizable shortcuts for your phone’s voice assistant or Spotify Tap.

Over on the on the audio front, the biggest upgrade is the addition of Bose TrueSpatial technology, bringing the company’s Immersive Audio modes to the standard QuietComfort lineup for the first time.

These modes were previously exclusive to the pricier QuietComfort Ultra headphones, but the base model now features Bose’s Still, Motion, and Cinema modes.

Still Mode keeps audio anchored in place even as you move your head, while Motion Mode makes the soundstage move with you. Cinema Mode is designed to make movies, TV shows, and podcasts sound more spacious while keeping dialogue clear.

The QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) also retain Bose’s SoundDesign digital signal processing, but now add support for lossless wired USB-C audio at up to 24-bit/48kHz for higher-quality playback when connected to compatible devices.

Bose is also promising improvements to its already excellent active noise cancelation. The company’s QuietControl system now uses a six-microphone array with updated adaptive feedforward controls that better compensate for gaps in the earcup seal. In real life, that should result in stronger noise cancelation for people who wear glasses or have long hair.

Aware Mode has also been refined with an improved ActiveSense response that Bose says adjusts noise cancelation more smoothly when sudden loud sounds occur, such as a passing train. As before, users can manually adjust the level of noise cancelation or create custom listening modes in the Bose app, which can be accessed using the dedicated action button on the left earcup.

The headphones also support Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint connectivity, Google Fast Pair on Android, and two-way USB-C audio. As always, Bose includes a USB-C-to-3.5mm cable in the box for use with analog audio sources, such as in-flight entertainment systems.

Battery life is rated at up to 24 hours on a single charge, or up to 18 hours with Immersive Audio enabled. A 15-minute quick charge is said to provide up to 2.5 hours of listening time, and Bose says you can continue using the headphones while they’re charging. Through the Bose app, users can also tweak a three-band EQ, create custom listening modes, manage paired devices, and install firmware updates.

The Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) open for pre-order on August 8 for $359 and will begin shipping on August 13.